Universal Furniture System (UFS)

ABSTRACT

A universal furniture system may include a front side of the back side opposed to the front side, the front side may include a convertible sofa bed to convert to a sofa or bed, a first set of drawers at a first end of the front side, a second set of doors at a second end of the front side, and the back side may include a closet for clothes, a first set of drawers at a first end of the back side, and a second set of drawers at a second end of the back side. A first side section may include the first set of drawers at the first end of the front side and the first set of drawers at the second end of the front side and a second side section may include the second set of drawers at the first end of the front side and the second set of drawers at the second end of the back side.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to furniture and more particularly tomodular furniture which may be detachably connected.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Modular furniture is desirable in that it can be “knocked down” intocomponents prior to shipment of the components. Because the componentscan be shipped more compactly than fully assembled furniture. Thus,shipping costs associated with modular furniture is typically lessexpensive than shipping costs associated with fully assembled furniture.

Although modular furniture has been provided in the past, assembly ofsuch modular furniture is often difficult.

The present invention provides a modular furniture system whichovercomes the problems presented in the prior art and which providesadditional advantages over the prior art.

SUMMARY

A universal furniture system may include a front side of the back sideopposed to the front side, the front side may include a convertible sofabed to convert to a sofa or bed, a first set of drawers at a first endof the front side, a second set of doors at a second end of the frontside, and the back side may include a closet for clothes, a first set ofdrawers at a first end of the back side, and a second set of drawers ata second end of the back side.

A first side section may include the first set of drawers at the firstend of the front side and the first set of drawers at the second end ofthe front side and a second side section may include the second set ofdrawers at the first end of the front side and the second set of drawersat the second end of the back side.

The front section may include includes the convertible sofa bed, and theback section may include the closet.

The first side section may include the first set of drawers at the firstend of the front side and the first set of drawers at the second end ofthe front side; the second side section may include the second set ofdrawers at the first end of the front side and the second set of drawersat the second end of the back side; the front section may include theconvertible sofa bed; and wherein a back section includes the closet.

The first section may be detachably connected from the second section,and the second section may be detachably connected to the third section.

The third section may be detachably connected to the fourth section, andthe fourth section may be detachably connected to the fifth section.

The fifth section may be detachably connected to the sixth section andat least one of the first section, second section, third section, fourthsection, fifth section or the sixth section may be mounted on wheels.

The detachable connections may be spring loaded, a sliding dovetailconnection, and the detachable connections may include a L-shaped memberwhich may be connected to an aperture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may be understood by reference to the followingdescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, inwhich, like reference numerals identify like elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates the UFS system connected together with all drawersand doors closed.

FIG. 2 illustrates the UFS with a bed pulled out from the sofa.

FIG. 3 illustrates the UFS of FIG. 2 showing all of the drawers anddoors open.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view showing how the table is stored.

FIG. 5 is a perspective side view showing the side table having anaccess door open.

FIGS. 6-8 illustrate the back side of the UFS.

FIG. 9 illustrates how the different sections may attach to each other.

FIGS. 10 a-f illustrate the different male and female connectors foreach section.

FIG. 11 illustrates a bottom view of the UFS.

FIG. 12 illustrates a wheel for the UFS.

FIGS. 13-15 illustrate a holder for the monitor.

FIG. 16 illustrates a back view of a first side bottom section and afirst side top section.

FIG. 17 illustrates the first side bottom section and the first side topsection

FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view of sections from the front.

FIG. 19 illustrates a perspective view of sections J, M, K, N from thefront and illustrates that each of the sections may include shelves.

FIG. 20 illustrates a front view of the sections.

FIG. 21 illustrates a top view of the sections.

FIG. 22 illustrates a top view of the sections.

FIG. 23 illustrates a back view of the sections.

FIG. 24 illustrates a back view of the sections.

FIG. 25 illustrates a perspective view of the seat support member.

FIG. 26 illustrates a side view of the seat support member.

FIG. 27 illustrates a perspective view of a cushion member.

FIG. 28 illustrates a side view of the cushion member.

FIGS. 29-32 illustrates the first side bottom section and the first sidetop section;

FIG. 33 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 34 illustrates the sofa being opened as a bed;

FIGS. 35-41 illustrates the sections of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is the unit 100 comprised of:

A—a pullout sofa with a light 103 positioned above the sofa;B—a side table positioned on one end of the pullout sofa and adapted tohold a computer and a monitor (not shown);C—a second side table being positioned on an opposed end of the sofa andhaving pull out drawers and shelving;D—a back section adapted to store clothing which may be adapted to faceopposite to the direction of the sofa;E—a first additional shelf unit on one end of the sofa: andF—a second additional shelf unit on any opposing end of the sofa. B andF may be similar in design.

FIG. 1 illustrates the entire UFS connected together with all drawersand doors closed. The UFS may have been detachable units or may havefewer or more detachable units.

FIG. 2 illustrates the UFS with a bed G pulled out from the sofa A.

FIG. 3 depicts the UFS of FIG. 2 showing all of the drawers and doorsopen. As shown, the table H is out of side table B, the bed G has beenpulled out, the drawers are open from side table C.

FIG. 4 is a side view showing how the table H is stored by rotating thetable surface under the exterior surface of the side table B.

FIG. 5 is a perspective side view showing the side table C having anaccess door open.

FIG. 6-8 illustrate the back side of the UFS. As shown, the back sideincludes a closet for storing clothes 601, additional drawers 603, and ahamper 605 for dirty clothes. The hamper 605 includes a bottom hatch foreasy accessibility to dirty clothes at the bottom of the hamper. The UFS100 may be on wheels, so if the back side is not accessible, a consumermay move the UFS 100 to gain access to the back side and thus access totheir clothes. When the consumer has the personal items which areneeded, the consumer can easily move the UFS 100 back in positionagainst the wall. Sections A, B, C, and D are on wheels, so the consumermay separate the sections from each other and place them in differentparts of a room.

FIG. 9 illustrates how the different sections may be detachablyconnected to each other. In this embodiment, section A is the femalesection and sections B, C, D, F, and F are the male sections anddetachably connect to section A. It should be understood that section Amay include the male connectors and sections B, C, D, E, and F mayinclude the female connectors or any combination. The connectors may bespring loaded. So when the male connector is inserted into the femaleconnector, two holders in the female connector spring back, and when themale connector is fully inserted, the two holders of the femaleconnector spring back thereby holding the male connector in place.

FIGS. 10 a-f illustrate the different male and female connectors foreach section and illustrate the wheel positions for the differentsections.

FIG. 11 illustrates a bottom view of the UFS. As shown, each of sectionsA, B, C, and D may have wheels 1102.

FIG. 12 depicts a wheel 1102 for the UFS. As shown the wheels 1102 maybe capable of rolling in all directions.

FIGS. 13-15 depict a holder I for the monitor (not shown). As shown thetable H may be located on the inside of section B. The table H mayextend outwards and sideways to provide access from the sofa A. As shownin FIGS. 14 and 15, the monitor holder I may separate into two parts andreconnect when a base of the monitor is in position. When the holder isreconnected, the monitor may be securely held in place.

Some of the features of the Universal Furniture System (UFS) aremobility, detachability, attachability, space saver design and the“all-in-one” concept that will be discussed in further detail.

The UFS may be supported by a total of 24 wheels 1102, 6 of which areplaced under section D, 4 under section A, B, and C, respectively asillustrated in FIG. 11. The number of wheels can be varied in order tomeet the needs of the UFS. These wheels allow the whole system to beeasily maneuvered and placed in any area desired by the owner. The wheelis encompassed in a cup which holds the wheel in place, the wheel has360 degrees of rotation so can easily move to the desired area of whichthe owner would want to move it to.

The UFS is a modular furniture system, which is comprised of sixdetachable sections. These sections will be referred to as, A, B, C, D,E, and F. We will also refer these in our appendixes where exhibits ofthe sections are scheduled. All of the sections can easily be detachedand attached by the ball locking system. This allows the user forexample, to have the back of section A against a wall, section D whichmay include three subsections, the clothing section easily detaches andcan be easily maneuvered around with the help of the wheels to be movedto another desired area. Another advantage of the system's detachabilityis that if the user decides to move places or move to another area thatis a good distance away form the original designated area for the sofa,the user can easily detach all components of the system and can bringeach individual section to the area without the risk of injuring theuser. Additionally, by detaching the sofa, the user can lift this sofasystem through tight doors when detached, and the user can easilyassemble it once inside the tight door area.

A feature of the UFS is our “all-in-one” element. The design has SectionA is the sofa it self, Section B includes the computer placementsection, Section C includes pull out drawers and shelves, Section Dincludes a closet for hanging of clothing, a laundry hamper and moreclothing drawers. Section E and F includes more shelving space wherevirtually anything can be placed. Next, additional details will beprovided for each section of the product.

Section A may be a three-seater sofa with a pull out bed that hassimilar dimensions to a queen size bed. The remaining five sections havethe ability to connect to the section A. To be more specific. section Ais the female section of the system while the other five sections arethe male counterparts. On top of section A there is also a bright lightfixture in the center to enhance viewing for our reading or workingcustomer while on the UFS. Refer to FIG. 1 for a visual representationthis section.

Section B is located to the right side of A. This part of the UFS is thearea in which we've designed for placement of the user's computer,printer, and tower. Additionally, section B includes a small shelf whereone can store other various accessories such as computer media, paper,etc. if needed. Furthermore, section B not only stores the computerhardware, hut also contains a sturdy pull out table H as shown in FIG.13 which comes out of section B and can be positioned to fit the userwhile sitting down so that the user is comfortable using the table Hwhile on the UFS. The table H is supported by a beam, which is installedin section B and allows the table to support weight. The table H easilycomes out of section B and once out of the table H may be easilymaneuvered to fit the needed legroom height of the user. The table hastwo levels; one level may be used for the keyboard and mouse of thecomputer. The other level can be used for anything which the user mayrequire our customer desires while writing or reading. On top of sectionB there is a screen mounting device to hold the flat screen monitor inplace permanently so while typing, the user will be able to see thescreen with ease. Please refer to FIG. 13 for a detailed image ofSection B.

Section C can be used for storage area where the user can store variousmaterials. Section C is comprised of 2 large and 1 small pull outdrawers. The small drawer may be located on top of the 2 larger drawers.These sections are located on the front side of section C. On the sideof section C, there is more shelf space hidden by a swing out door. Theshelf space is comprised of three sections for where one can put theirhooks, papers and virtually anything else the user desires. Please referto FIG. 1 for details of Section C.

Section D is the clothing section of the UFS. Section D may be thedetachable back section of the UFS and can be maneuvered to be placedelsewhere if desired by the user. This section D is comprised into threesections. On one side there is a hamper 605 where clothing waiting to bewashed can be placed. The hamper 605 also has a smaller laundry shootinstalled on the bottom half of the hamper 605. This allows our customerto easily reach their clothing that is at the bottom. The middle ofsection D may include a closet 601 where the user can hang theirclothes. A shoe rack is positioned closer floor level of the closet 601On the opposing side of section D, there are two wide pull out clothingdrawers. Below these two wide drawers are 4 smaller drawers. Pleaserefer to FIG. 6 for illustration of these features.

Section E and F are two other sections of shelf space located andconnected to the upper corners of Section A. Each section is identicalin size and shape and they have two levels where the user may store anyitems, Section E and F rest on sections B and C respectively. Pleaserefer to FIG. 1 to illustrates a layout.

The original design is a three seat sofa. The invention includes a oneand two seat Universal Furniture System so it can fit different roomsizes and different consumer tastes. Other embodiments may include addon features such as a laptop station as opposed to strictly desktop.Other embodiments include a custom making division where each individualconsumer can design their own UFS online from a website, to theirspecific liking and needs. The sofa design does not have to have thesame connection areas in all designs, for example if people do not wanta clothing section and want more shelf space, section D can be turnedinto more cabinet space. Or if people want more clothes space section Ccan be turned also into more drawers.

FIG. 16 illustrates a back view of a first side bottom section J and afirst side top section M. FIG. 16 additionally illustrates a second sidebottom section K and a second top section N. Each section J, M, K, Ninclude a inverted L-shaped member 1601 for detachably connection to theback center section (P in FIG. 17).

FIG. 17 illustrates that the first side bottom section J may have alarger and smaller drawer and the first side top section M may have noshelves. The second side bottom section K may have a larger and smallerdrawer and the second side top section N may have shelves. FIG. 17additionally illustrates a back center section P.

FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view of sections J, M, K, N from thefront and illustrates that the first side bottom section J and thesecond side bottom section K may extend forward with respect to thefirst side top section M. and the second side top section N and mayinclude cabinet doors as opposed ends.

FIG. 19 illustrates a perspective view of sections J, M, K, N from thefront and illustrates that each of the sections may include shelves.

FIG. 20 illustrates a front view of sections J, M, K, N from the frontand illustrates that each of the sections may include shelves.

FIG. 21 illustrates a top view of sections J and M.

FIG. 22 illustrates a top view of sections K and N.

FIG. 23 illustrates a back view of sections J and M.

FIG. 24 illustrates a back view of sections K and M.

FIG. 25 illustrates a perspective view of the seat support member 503which is substantially L-shaped and include apertures 501 to cooperatewith the inverted L-shaped member 1601.

FIG. 26 illustrates a side view of the seat support member 503 which issubstantially L-shaped and include apertures 501 to cooperate with theinverted L-shaped member 1601.

FIG. 27 illustrates a perspective view of a cushion member 2701 whichcooperates with the seat support member 503 to provide a cushion for theuser.

FIG. 28 illustrates a side view of the cushion member 2701 whichcooperates with the seat support member 503 to provide a cushion for theuser.

FIGS. 29-32 illustrates that the first side bottom section J may have alarger and smaller drawer and the first side top section M may have noshelves. The second side bottom section K may have a larger and smallerdrawer and the second side top section N may have shelves. FIGS. 30-31additionally illustrates a back center section P. FIGS. 30 and 31illustrate a curved top portion.

FIG. 33 is the unit 3300 comprised of:

A1—a pullout sofa;B1—a side table positioned on one end of the pullout sofa and adapted tohold a computer and a monitor (not shown);C1—a second side table being positioned on an opposed end of the sofaand having pull out drawers and shelving;D1—a back section adapted to store clothing which may be adapted to faceopposite to the direction of the sofa;E1—a first additional shelf unit on one end of the sofa: andF1—a second additional shelf unit on any opposing end of the sofa. B1and F1 may be similar in design.G1—a central bookcase unit over the sofa and the back section;H1—a back first storage section;I1—a back second-storage section;J1—a back third storage section;K1—a back fourth storage section;L1—a closet storage section;

FIG. 33 illustrates the entire UFS connected together with all drawersand doors closed.

FIG. 34 illustrates the UFS with a bed H1 pulled out from the sofa A1.

FIG. 35 illustrates an exploded view of the UFS of FIGS. 33 and 34.

FIG. 36 is a top view of FIG. 33 and illustrates the pullout sofa A1,the side table B1, the second side table C1, the first additional shelfE1, the second additional shelf F1 and the central bookcase G1.

FIG. 37 is a front view of FIG. 33 and illustrates the pullout sofa A1,the side table B1, the second side table C1, the first additional shelfE1, the second additional shelf F1 and the central bookcase G1.

FIG. 38 is a side view of FIG. 33 and illustrates the second side tableC1, the second additional shelf F1, the back first storage section H1,the back second storage section I1 and the central bookcase G1.

FIG. 39 is a back view of FIG. 33 and illustrates the side table B1, theadditional shelf E1, the back first storage section H1, the back secondstorage section I1, a back third storage section J1, a back fourthstorage section K1 and the central bookcase G1.

FIG. 40 is a back view of FIG. 33 and illustrates the back first storagesection H1, the back second storage section I1, a back third storagesection J1, a back fourth storage section K1, a closet storage sectionL1 and the central bookcase G1.

FIG. 41 is a side cross sectional view of FIG. 33 and illustrates thepullout sofa A, a closet storage section L1 and the central bookcase G1.

FIGS. 42-45 illustrates another apparatus for joining any and all of thesections of the USF. More particularly FIG. 42 illustrates the closetstorage section L1 separated by the combination of the back firststorage section H1 and the back third storage section J1.

FIG. 43 illustrates the closet storage section L1 being aligned with theback third storage section J1 so that they can be joined on a fasteningdevice 4301 such as a track or dovetail connection.

FIG. 44 illustrates that the closet storage section L1 and the backstorage section J1 are joined and aligned. In FIG. 45, the joined closetstorage section L1 and the back storage section J1 are rotated inposition together.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by wayof example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It shouldbe understood, however, that the description herein of specificembodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particularforms disclosed.

1. A universal furniture system, comprising: a front side of the backside opposed to the front side; the front side including: a convertiblesofa bed to convert to a sofa or bed; a first set of drawers at a firstend of the front side; a second set of doors at a second end of thefront side; the back side including: a closet for clothes; a first setof drawers at a first end of the back side; a second set of drawers at asecond end of the back side.
 2. A universal furniture system as in claim1, wherein the universal furniture system includes a first side sectionincluding the first set of drawers at the first end of the front sideand the first set of drawers at the second end of the front side.
 3. Auniversal furniture system as in claim 1, wherein the universalfurniture system includes a second side section including the second setof drawers at the first end of the front side and the second set ofdrawers at the second end of the back side.
 4. A universal furnituresystem as in claim 1, wherein the universal furniture system includes afront section including the convertible sofa bed.
 5. A universalfurniture system as in claim 1, wherein the universal furniture systemincludes a back section including the closet.
 6. A universal furnituresystem as in claim 1, wherein the universal furniture system includes afirst side section including the first set of drawers at the first endof the front side and the first set of drawers at the second end of thefront side and a second side section including the second set of drawersat the first end of the front side and the second set of drawers at thesecond end of the back side; wherein the front section includes theconvertible sofa bed; and wherein the back section includes the closet.7. A universal furniture system as in claim 6, wherein the first sectionis detachably connected from the second section.
 8. A universalfurniture system as in claim 6, wherein the second section is detachablyconnected to the third section.
 9. A universal furniture system as inclaim 6, wherein the third section is detachably connected to the fourthsection.
 10. A universal furniture system as in claim 6, wherein thefourth section is detachably connected to the fifth section.
 11. Auniversal furniture system as in claim 6, wherein the fifth section isdetachably connected to the sixth section.
 12. A universal furnituresystem as in claim 6, wherein at least one of the first section, secondsection, third section, fourth section, fifth section or the sixthsection is mounted on wheels.
 13. A universal furniture system as inclaim 1, wherein the first section is detachably connected from thesecond section; wherein the second section is detachably connected tothe third section; wherein the third section is detachably connected tothe fourth section; wherein the fourth section is detachably connectedto the fifth section; and wherein the fifth section is detachablyconnected to the sixth section and wherein the detachable connectionsare made by a male and female member.
 14. A universal furniture systemas in claim 13, wherein the detachable connections are spring loaded.15. A universal furniture system as in claim 13, wherein the detachableconnections include a L-shaped member.
 16. A universal furniture systemas in claim 15, wherein the detachable connections include an aperturefor the L-shaped member.